Six artists present the many layers of recalling and presenting nature. The sculpted leaves and bend of a wrought iron fence mimics the natural background of trees and vines in one of Jill McGannon’s paintings. In her bucolic scenes, she mixes experiences; red and green-leaved trees are juxtaposed in a sublime yet realistic portrayal with robust clouds framing the sunlight. In contrast, Cameron Zebrun collages different imagery from his travels in nature, fixed on sculpture that vaguely resembles a paddle and a canoe. With images of a hurricane’s eye and white sand beach, viewing his work is like participating in his travels. In Kevin Sonmor’s work, heavily textured swirls of crimson mark a tempestuous sky, where paint literally drips in a brilliant flash of water. The emotional and physical experience is thus focused with a heavy brush. Ronald Clayton’s painting of manmade geometric ruins amidst an ideal countryside is metaphorical to the complex human relationship with nature. The painted trees and water flowing in Thomas Monaghan’s countryside focuses the light of the sun. Robin Denevan takes the viewer into the process of memory with layers of beeswax, resin and paint highlighting images of trees and rivers from his journeys. The works show that emotion and the process of viewing ultimately personalize natural landscapes. (Ben Broeren)
Through March 11 at Addington Gallery, 704 N. Wells, (312) 664-3406.
